Bartley Wilson

Walter Bartley Wilson (3 January 1870 – 19 November 1954) was an English lithographic artist and the founder of Cardiff City Football Club.

He also led the club's efforts to secure ground on which to build a home stadium, which went on to become Ninian Park, and was appointed manager in 1933 for a brief spell.

He spent much of his free time at the club's headquarters, a disused stables in Mark Street less than 100 yards (91 m) from his home.

[10] The club arranged friendlies against several sides from The Football League; Bristol City, Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace all travelled to Cardiff.

The club became leaseholders of the land on 1 April 1909 and set about flattening the former rubbish tip on the site to erect a new football ground.

[8] Wilson was initially placed in charge of the first team and secured the first transfer in the club's history by signing Jack Evans from amateur side Cwmparc for 6s.

[14] McDougall remained in charge for a single season before the club decided a more experienced manager was needed and appointed Fred Stewart in his place.

[18] The team's struggles also affected the club financially and Wilson was one of several staff members forced to take a pay cut of 20 percent in April 1932.

[19] His most significant signing ahead of the new season was the return of Ernie Curtis, part of the 1927 FA Cup winning side, for £1,250.

[19] Wilson's time in charge proved disastrous and the club was bottom of the Third Division South at the season's mid-point in January.

[22] To mark his 80th birthday, Wilson was presented with a golden pencil after the club's players, led by Ken Hollyman, pooled money to purchase a gift.

[25] Wilson married Sarah Ellen in December 1894 and the following year, the couple moved to 6 Green Street, Riverside, Cardiff.

[27] During World War II, Wilson and his wife were forced to move in with their daughter in Fairwater after their home in De Burgh Street in Cardiff was irreparably damaged by a bombing raid.

Wilson died on 19 November 1954 at his home in Llanfair Road, Canton and his funeral, attended by numerous Cardiff City players, was held at St John's Church.

A housing estate was built on the site of the old ground with the road being named Bartley Wilson Way in honour of the club's founder.